Unilever is currently hiring for Beauty & Wellbeing Vietnam R&D Lead
Function: Research/Development > Product Development Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Relocation, Visa & Work Permit Support)
ABOUT UNILEVER Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. You will work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues who provide mentorship and inspiration so that you can become a better you.
JOB PURPOSE The role of the Beauty & Wellbeing (B&W) Vietnam (VN) R&D Leader is to act as business partner on the Country Leadership team for B&W, Vietnam and look after R&D for Hair Care and Skin Care categories.The role is part of Regional SEA R&D, and will act as key R&D contact for the business. The job holder liaise with the relevant Category R&D Design teams to ensure product technologies are identified and developed in line with business strategy and portfolio plans.
Vietnam is a key strategic country for the B&W Category and the R&D Leader will play an important role to drive growth for this market as well as shape the future portfolio for local jewels. The key job role is to be the R&D lead representative for Vietnam, partnering with the business, and leading the B&W R&D team.
WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE
Country R&D Representative
First point of call for any country activity that requires R&D input
Responsible and accountable to deliver agreed total R&D program in the country in close partnership with Region/Global. Resources deployed on innovation agenda through agreed gatekeeping principles, allowing fast tracking of low risk/low complexity projects
Work with CCBT to identify opportunities for growth of category and business in VN, and drive creation of new local projects for the pipeline
Develop framework for ‘consumer perceived superiority’ that is locally relevant and develop claims packages for key innovations
Own and build innovation and claims roadmaps for global & local brands working with CCBT and R&D expertise teams
Delivery of all R&D elements OTIF and driving efficiency through the R&D organisation
Build interfaces with R&D organisation at Regional/Global to drive ‘One R&D’ mindset and channel appropriate resources to the Country needs
Represent R&D on Supply Chain Transformation and 3PM networks, to enable design of appropriate manufacturing systems in line with site master plans
Drive Digital agenda for country and region
Build best practice for conditioner and other post-wash market development (MDM along with marketing teams to drive category penetration and depth of consumption
Be the ‘product expert’ on Hair and Skin care in the VN market, working with influencers and external KOFs to drive messages on Hair fundamentals and UL product portfolio
Develop mechanisms to capture local insights/trends and use effectively in creation of comms and MTI (Maximising Technology Impact) assets for different audiences and channels
Lead sustainability agenda for B&W in VN by partnering with internal and external stakeholders to develop robust model PCR implementation, recyclable sachets in a circular system
Build functional and category expertise along with capabilities in the team in line with Purpose led, Future fit organization principles The role is based in HCM and will report to the Regional R&D Head for SEA.
Be the voice of product in the Country LT. Help identify new trends and technology opportunities and ensure strong links with design teams
Ensure OTIF delivery of R&D elements of agreed total brand innovation plan and agreed 5S saving and simplification plans; own innovation agenda together with Marketing and SC
Identify opportunities for outsourcing as appropriate for capacity or capability build
R&D partner for ensuring regulatory compliance, issue management, competitor challenges, relevant industry engagement and advocacy
Support to Quality and Consumer complaint management where related to design
Champion MTI and product activation with consumers and customers. Drive deep channel
understanding and identify relevant growth opportunities using full product portfolio.
Lead and manage the R&D team (internal resources), as well as external partners or resources tapped to support the program
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED Education
Graduate or Advanced degree in relevant Science or Technology courses is preferred.
Relevant experience
FMCG Background and International exposure are a plus.
Proven track record of driving projects and teams, and delivering with speed to a consistently high standard
Strong leadership, business acumen and influencing abilities
Broad range of R&D experiences across the organization (Global, Cluster/Local) is ideal.
Strong exposure and engagement to business teams and cross-functional teams is key.
Additional
Beauty product lover, someone who is passionate about Beauty and Wellbeing, care about sustainability
Must have very good communication and influencing skills. Must be fluent in English
Must show ability to work in a multi-functional, multi-cultural environment
Must be open to occasional travel as needed (e.g. inter-country, international)
Digital and Data skills
Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.